In a massive blow to Team India’s ICC Women’s World Cup aspirations, in-form opening batter Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a knee and ankle injury. The star opener sustained the injury while fielding during the final group-stage match against Bangladesh. Shefali Verma is all set to replace the Indian opener, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.

Rawal has been a revelation this World Cup, finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer with a brilliant 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33. Her consistency at the top of the order was crucial, highlighted by a majestic century, a 122 against New Zealand, that sealed India’s semi-final spot, and a fighting 75 against Australia earlier in the tournament. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana had become the backbone of India’s batting.

Now, all eyes turn to the crucial semi-final clash against defending champions Australia on Thursday, October 30, where India will rely on an altered opening combination.

BCCI has named the explosive Shefali Verma as Rawal’s replacement for the knockout stages. This marks a significant return for Verma to the ODI squad, as she last played the 50-over format for India over a year ago. The 21-year-old boasts an aggressive style of play that can take the game away from the opposition in a flash.

In her 29 Women’s ODI appearances, Verma has scored 644 runs at an average of 23.00, with a high score of 71. While her ODI average is modest, her ability to score quickly and fearlessly is what the team will be banking on to offset the huge loss of Rawal as they go head-to-head with their biggest rivals.